One of just two built and virtually unseen for nearly half a century, the sporting Packard with coachwork by Dietrich spurred a lively bidding war in the room and on the phones to achieve the top-sale of the day. A total of 70 automobiles were presented during the four-hour auction, generating over $7.6 million* in sales with 85% of lots sold.

Formerly known as the Meadow Brook auction, RMs Michigan sale adopted a new home this year  the Inn at St. Johns in Plymouth  and once again acted as a prelude to the celebrated Concours dElegance of America at St. Johns (July 31).

We are very pleased with the results from our St. Johns sale this weekend. They reflect the continuing strength of the market for quality collector cars and paint a positive forecast for the upcoming Pebble Beach auction week in August, says Gerry Hockin, Chief Operating Officer, RM Auctions.

Yesterdays sale was very well-attended and the response to our new venue in Plymouth has been extremely positive. We look forward to returning in 2012, Hockin adds.

In addition to the Packard, an eye-catching 1939 Pontiac Plexiglas Deluxe Six Ghost Car, Americas first full-sized transparent car and a highlight of the 1939-40 New York Worlds Fair, also attracted significant attention from collectors. Remarkably preserved and showing just 86 original miles, it sold for a final price of $308,000 to applause from the audience.

Other notable sales included: a majestic 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline for $704,000; a Special Order 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing for $676,500; and a regal 1939 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan, built for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and used as their 1939 Royal Canadian Tour car, for $297,000.

RM Auctions continues its busy summer events calendar, August 19  20 in Monterey, California as it presents an unparalleled roster of the worlds finest motor cars. Full event details and the digital catalog for the Monterey sale are available online at www.rmauctions.com/monterey.

Full auction results from yesterdays St. Johns auction are also available online at www.rmauctions.com.